U.S. patent number 7,076,270 [Application Number 09/796,041] was granted by the patent office on 2006-07-11 for docking station for wireless communication device.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Dell Products L.P.. Invention is credited to Christopher M. Jaggers, Robert L. McMahan.
United States Patent |
7,076,270 |
Jaggers , et al. |
July 11, 2006 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Docking station for wireless communication device
Abstract
A docking station for a wireless communications device includes
a support structure that includes a cradle for the wireless
telephone. The docking station includes a switch, sensor or other
detection mechanism that detects when the wireless communication
device is docked. When the wireless communication device is docked,
the detection mechanism sends a signal to the wireless
communication device. A set of instructions stored in the processor
determines which display and which input to use, depending on
whether or not the signal is received from the detection mechanism.
Embodiments include a display, USB hub, and modem in the docking
station. Another embodiment includes a USB connector in the
wireless communication device. Finally, an embodiment includes a
docking station with equivalent features for a cellular telephone
or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA).
Inventors: |
Jaggers; Christopher M.
(Austin, TX), McMahan; Robert L. (Cedar Park, TX) |
Assignee: |
Dell Products L.P. (Round Rock,
TX)
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Family
ID: |
25167111 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/796,041 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2001 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20020119800 A1 |
Aug 29, 2002 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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09796041 |
Feb 28, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/556.1;
455/349; 455/569.1; 455/557; 379/428.04; 379/428.03 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M
1/72409 (20210101); H04M 1/72445 (20210101); H04B
1/3877 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H04B
1/38 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;455/550.1,575.1,346,347,344,554.1,418,90.3,349,412,462,466,556,348,534.1,552.1,3.04,573,553.1,556.1,566,572,574,556.2,557,414,569.1,74.1,555,561,424,425,456.5,456.6
;395/828,275 ;710/1,8,13,104,303,62,65,69,70,71,63,72,18
;361/686,683,724-727,679 ;364/708.1 ;340/825.44
;379/428.04,428.03,420.04,446,455,454,437.04 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
US. Appl. No. 09/128,044, filed Aug. 3, 1998 entitled "Computer
Docking Guidance System" by Howell, et al. cited by other .
U.S. Appl. No. 09/169,943, filed Jan. 26, 2001 entitled "Portable
Cell Phone Docking System" by Christopher M. Jaggers and Robert L.
McMahan. cited by other.
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Primary Examiner: Urban; Edward F.
Assistant Examiner: Chow; Charles
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Haynes and Boone, LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application relates to, and claims benefit of, co-pending U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/769,943, filed on Jan. 26, 2001,
entitled "Portable Cell Phone Docking System," naming Christopher
M. Jaggers and Robert L. McMahan as inventors and assigned to the
same assignee as this application, the application being
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A docking system for a wireless communication device (WCD),
having display capabilities, the docking system comprising: a
docking station including a dock display, the docking station
further comprising: a support structure including a first surface
on which is disposed a cradle, the support structure further
comprising: a detector mechanism, the detector mechanism detecting
if Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) data is sent from an RF
transceiver in the WCD to the dock display, or if Wireless
Application Protocol (WAP) data is sent from the RE transceiver to
the WCD display, the detector mechanism further detecting if: the
WCD is docked: an I/O interface is connected to the docking
station: and dock display capabilities are greater than or equal to
the WCD display capabilities.
2. The docking system for a WCD as recited in claim 1, wherein the
WCD is a cellular telephone.
3. The docking system for a WCD as recited in claim 1, wherein the
WCD is a personal digital assistant (PDA).
4. The docking system for a WCD as recited in claim 1, wherein the
WCD is a personal computer.
5. The docking system for a WCD as recited in claim 1, wherein the
docking station further comprises a connector, the connector
coupling the docking station to the WCD.
6. The docking system for a WCD as recited in claim 5, wherein the
connector is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector, wherein the
USB connector electrically couples the docking station to the
WCD.
7. The docking system for a WCD as recited in claim 5, further
comprising: a keyboard, wherein the keyboard is electrically
coupled to the docking station.
8. The docking system for a WCD as recited in claim 5, further
comprising: a video camera, wherein the video camera is
electrically coupled to the docking station.
9. The docking system for a WCD as recited in claim 5, further
comprising: a printer, wherein the printer is electrically coupled
to the docking station.
10. The docking system for a WCD as recited in claim 5, further
comprising: a floppy disk drive, wherein the floppy disk drive is
electrically coupled to the docking station.
11. The docking system for a WCD as recited in claim 10, further
comprising: a data connection to the Internet.
12. The docking system for a WCD as recited in claim 1, wherein the
docking station further comprises: a connector, wherein the
connector couples the docking station to a data connection, wherein
the data connection provides data to and receives data from the WCD
when the WCD is docked.
13. The docking system for a WCD as recited in claim 1, wherein the
docking station further comprises a modem.
14. The docking system for a WCD as recited in claim 13, wherein
the modem is coupled to a data connection, wherein the data
connection is coupled to the Internet.
15. The docking system for a WCD as recited in claim 1, wherein the
docking station further comprises: a dock I/O interface
controller.
16. The docking system for a WCD as recited in claim 1, wherein the
docking station further comprises: a battery.
17. The docking system for a WCD as recited in claim 1, wherein the
docking station further comprises: a charging circuit.
18. The docking system for a WCD as recited in claim 1, wherein the
WCD further comprises: an I/O interface controller.
19. The docking system for a WCD as recited in claim 1, wherein the
WCD further comprises: a key pad.
20. A method of operating a wireless communications device (WOD)
with a docking station, having display capabilities, comprising:
providing a docking station including a dock display, the docking
station having a support structure including a cradle; providing a
detector mechanism in the support structure, the detector mechanism
detecting if Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) data is sent from
an RF transceiver in the WCD to the dock display, or if Wireless
Application Protocol (WAP) data is sent from the RE transceiver to
the WCD display, the detector mechanism further detecting if: the
WCD is docked; an I/O interface is connected to the docking
station; and dock display capabilities are greater than or equal to
the WCD display capabilities.
Description
BACKGROUND
This disclosure relates to a docking station for wireless
communication devices and, more particularly, to technology for
enhancing the capabilities of wireless communications devices, such
cellular of PCT telephones, so as to more closely approach the
capabilities of personal computers, especially as those
capabilities relate to enablement of Internet access or access to
other sources of data or information.
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates a docking station for wireless communication
devices and, more particularly, to technology for enhancing the
capabilities of wireless communications devices, such cellular or
PCS telephones, so as to more closely approach the capabilities of
personal computers, especially as those capabilities relate to
enablement of Internet access or access to other sources of data or
information.
2. Description of the Related Art
The personal computer (PC) industry is experiencing a change in the
manner in which PCs are used. During earlier stages in the rise of
PC popularity, PCs were primarily looked to for their computational
capacity. Subsequently, word processing, spreadsheet, database and
presentation applications began to assume the forefront. Still more
recently, the PC has come to be seen as a communications device,
and has experienced rapidly expanding use as a communications
terminal from which to send and receive electronic messages. Along
these lines, consumer acquisitions of PC's have lately been
stimulated by the objective of using the PC simply as an appliance
to access the Internet. In this mode, much of the embedded
capability of the PC lies dormant, and PC users tend to become
preoccupied with information transmission bandwidth, rather than
processing power or expandability.
Concurrently, the proliferation of wireless communications devices,
such as cellular telephones, has accelerated to the point that
cellular telephones appear ubiquitous and are predicted by some to
ultimately displace wired communications facilities. In fact,
cellular telephone sales now exceed sales of PCs by a margin of
approximately 2 to 1, and it is anticipated that this margin will
expand.
As technology has evolved, cellular functionality has become
correspondingly more robust, and cellular phones now offer
capabilities that were once the exclusive province of PCs. In fact,
some cellular telephones now resemble small, low-end PCs with
wireless access to data networks, including the Internet. Computers
for organizing telephone numbers and appointments are referred to
as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). PDAs are also available with
wireless access to the Internet. Ironically, many consumers are now
believed to acquire cellular telephones and other wireless
communication devices merely as an Internet-access appliance.
Cellular telephones, hand-held computers, PDAs and other wireless
communication devices are burdened by a number of characteristics
that render them substantially less than ideal for applications
such as Internet access. Perhaps paramount among the shortcomings
of wireless communication devices and cellular telephones is the
incommodious user interface they present. Specifically, cellular
telephones are often slow to access information from the
Internet.
The Internet is a collection of interconnected computers providing
access to hundreds of millions of documents. These documents are
written in HyperText Markup Language, or HTML. HTML supports
hypertext which allows a user to create a link in a Web page that
allows the user to conveniently connect to another Web page.
Connecting to a Web page on a desktop or portable computer allows a
user to view or download the web page. Many users also user and
Internet connection to support access to email which quickly sends
and receives text messages and attachments.
Unlike desktop or portable computers, present-day cellular
telephones fail to include keyboards and printers. Also the display
on a wireless communication device is often much smaller than a
display used with a conventional desktop or portable computer. The
smaller display and lack of other user interfaces renders cellular
telephones and other wireless communications devices unsuitable as
an interface to all but the most primitive sources of information
from the Internet.
Co-pending U.S. Patent pplication Ser. No. 09,769,943, titled
"Portable Cell Phone Docking System" filed on Jan. 26, 2001 on
behalf of the same inventors, and assigned to the same assignee as
this application (and hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety) teaches a docking system that enables cellular telephones
to operate as a convenient device for enabling the computing power
available in a cellular telephone without compromising the utility
of the cellular telephone as a portable communication device. But
the pending application does not teach a signal operative to
determine the format of a data stream in the wireless communication
device. What is needed is a solution which enhances existing
wireless communication device capabilities by utilizing
capabilities and features available in the docking station when the
cellular telephone is docked. Preferably the solution will promote
the cellular telephone as a viable alternate to low-end PCs that
are primarily acquired for use as Internet-access terminals.
SUMMARY
The above objects, advantages and capabilities are achieved by a
docking station for a wireless communications device. The present
disclosure teaches a docking station for a wireless communications
device. The docking station includes a support structure that
includes a cradle for the wireless telephone. The docking station
includes a switch, sensor or other detection mechanism. The
detection mechanism detects when the wireless communication device
is docked. When the wireless communication device is docked the
detection mechanism sends a signal to the wireless communication
device. A set of instructions stored in the processor determines
which display to use and which input to use, depending on whether
or not the signal is received from the detection mechanism. A
connector provides connections to peripheral devices including a
display, printer, monitor and keyboard.
Embodiments include a display, USB hub, and modem in the docking
station. Another embodiment includes a USB connector in the
wireless communication device. A video camera for video
conferencing may also be interfaced to the wireless communication
device. An embodiment teaches a docking station with similar
features for a cellular telephone or Personal Digital Assistant
(PDA). The foregoing is a Summary and this contains, by necessity,
simplifications, generalizations and omissions of detail;
consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way
limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present disclosure may be better understood, and its numerous
objects, features, and advantages made apparent to those skilled in
the art by referencing the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a wireless communication device and a
docking station.
FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a wireless communication device and a
docking station using a Universal Serial Bus connector and hub.
FIG. 1C is a block diagram of a wireless communication device and a
docking station with a display larger than the docking station.
FIG. 1D is a block diagram of a wireless communication device and a
docking station without a display.
FIG. 2 is a flow diagram depicting logical steps of software
instructions.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a wireless communication device,
docking station and peripherals.
FIG. 4 is a line diagram depicting a network environment in which
the present embodiments may operate.
The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings
indicates identical items unless otherwise noted.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following is intended to provide a detailed description of an
example of the disclosure and should not be taken to be limiting of
the disclosure itself. Rather, any number of variations may fall
within the scope of the disclosure defined in the claims following
the description. FIG. 1 depicts a wireless communication device and
docking station. A mechanism detects when the wireless
communication device is docked. The mechanism sends a signal from
the docking station to the wireless communication device (WCD). The
signal causes logic in the processor to accept input from the
wireless communication device (e.g. the keypad) or from peripherals
associated with the docking station. The signal also causes logic
in the processor to display output on the WCD display or a display
associated with the docking station when appropriate. Typically,
data is transmitted in either of two formats. Wireless application
protocol (WAP) is an example of a format typically used with
cellular telephones and other wireless devices.
The origin of WAP can traced to 1995 when a European cellular
telephone manufacturer began development of a protocol referred to
as the Intelligent Terminal Transfer Protocol (ITTP) to facilitate
the addition of services to cellular telephones. A corporation
then-called Unwired Planet, a predecessor of Smart Messaging,
created a competing protocol referred to as Handheld Device Markup
Language. Although similar to HTML, HDLM was intended for use with
devices with relatively small screens, such as hand-held computers,
cellular telephones and PDAs. Thus, the objective of WAP is to
provide users of hand-held wireless communications access to the
Internet. However, as previously mentioned, a device downloading
information from the Internet using WAP typically incorporates a
smaller display area. When a larger display is available HTTP
protocol is typically used. An objective of the present method is
to provide an improved interface, including display, when a WCD is
docked.
The wireless communication device 105 shown in FIG. 1A includes
central processing unit (CPU) 110. CPU 110 performs processing
required to provide instructions to the input/output interface
controller 120 and to memory 130. Memory 130 stores software
instructions and can also be a buffer for CPU 110. Input/out (I/0)
interface controller 120 receives instructions from CPU 110,
receives signals from keypad 160, and exchanges instructions with
CPU 110. I/O interface controller 120 return information required
for CPU 110 to perform certain functions. I/O interface controller
120 is also coupled to and sends and receives data streams to R/F
transceiver 150. R/F transceiver 150 is coupled to antenna 155
which transmits and receives R/F signals. I/O interface controller
120 also transmits a video output to display 140. Display 140 can
be of any commercially available type but is typically a liquid
crystal display ("LCD"). CPU 110 also sends and receives signals to
memory 130. Furthermore wireless communication device 105 comprises
charging circuit 170 that provides the power to the device and also
charges battery 180.
FIG. 1A also depicts the components of docking station 175
compatible with wireless communication device 105. Dock I/O
interface controller 182 sends and receives data from I/O interface
controller 120 in wireless communication device 105. Data can
include video signals. In an embodiment, video signals are be
transmitted through connector 183. In an embodiment, connector 183
can be of a type known as a Digital Video Interface (DVI)
connector. In another embodiment, video signals are transmitted to
the wireless communication device from a digital video camera
connected to the dock I/O interface controller 182. In embodiment,
data signals are transmitted from the dock to wireless
communication device 105 through USB connector 184. Mechanism 188
detects when wireless communication device 105 is inserted into
docking station 175 (i.e., is docked). When wireless communication
device 105 is docked, a signal is sent from mechanism 188 to I/O
interface controller 120. I/O interface controller 120 sends a
corresponding signal (a dock detect signal) to CPU 110. In an
embodiment, power from dock I/O interface controller 182 is
transmitted to wireless communication device charging circuit 170.
In another embodiment, power is sent from docking station battery
190 to wireless communication device charging circuit 170 through
connection 189. Docking station charging circuit 191 is connected
to docking station battery 190. Docking station charging circuit
191 accepts external power and provides a DC power supply to
battery 190. Docking station battery 190 is coupled to, and
provides power to, dock I/O interface 182, display 192 and USB hub
193.
FIG. 1B depicts use of two embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1B, Dock
I/O interface controller 182 sends video signals to display 192.
Dock I/O interface controller 182 is also coupled to USB Hub 193
(not previously shown). USB hub 193 is coupled to external I/O
devices. In an embodiment, USB hub 193 is coupled to external I/O
devices through an USB connector. External I/O devices (not shown)
keyboard, mouse, CD, floppy disk drive, camera, etc. In another
embodiment USB connector 197 is included in wireless communication
device 105.
FIG. 1B also depicts an embodiment including modem. Dock I/O
interface controller 182 is coupled to modem 194. Modem 194 serves
as a data interface between dock I/O interface controller 182 and a
wired connection. For example, the wired connection can communicate
data to an Internet service provider as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 1C
depicts a wireless communication device and a docking station with
a display larger than the docking station. Under this scenario,
data received from the data connection is displayed on the larger
display in the docking station. FIG. 1D depicts a wireless
communication device and a docking station without a display. Under
this scenario, a separate display is coupled to the docking station
as shown in FIG. 4.
FIG. 2 depicts the I/O interface controller 120 logic. As shown in
event 205, interface controller 120 detects if a dock-detect signal
is received from mechanism 188. If I/O interface controller 120 is
not receiving a dock-detect signal, then wireless communication
device 105 receives WAP data from RF transceiver 150 and displays
the data on wireless communication device display 140. If a
dock-detect signal is received, then event 215 in I/O interface
logic determines of an I/O interface device is connected to the
dock. If no I/O interface device is connected to the dock, then
data is transferred from WCD keypad 165 and other I/O devices in
event 220. If event 215 determines that I/O devices are present in
the dock, then data is transferred from dock I/O interface
controller 182 in event 225.
Still referring to FIG. 2, at event 230, I/O interface controller
120 logic determines if the dock display capabilities are greater
than or equal to the WCD display capabilities. If the dock display
capabilities are less than WCD display capabilities, then logic 200
determines if the dock is connected to an external data connection,
event 250. If event 250 determines the dock is not connected to an
external data connection, then event 255 directs WAP data from RF
transceiver 150 to WCD display 140. If event 250 determines the
dock is connected to an external data connection then event 260
directs WAP data from dock I/O interface controller 182 to WCD
display 140.
Still referring to FIG. 2, if at event 230 I/O interface controller
120 logic determines the dock display capabilities are greater than
or equal to the WCD display capabilities, then event 240 determines
if the dock is connected to external data connection 196. If event
240 determines the dock is not connected to external data 196
connection then HTTP data is sent from RF transceiver 150 to dock
display 192. If event 240 determines the dock is connected to an
external data connection 196 then, HTTP data is sent from I/O
interface controller 182 dock display 192.
FIG. 3 depicts a wireless communication device 310 and docking
station 320 corresponding to wireless communication device 105 and
docking station 175 shown in FIG. 1. Docking station 320 includes
surface with cradle 315. FIG. 3 also depicts connections to video
camera 360, keyboard 330 and printer 350. Although only three
peripheral devices are shown, the system supports a plurality of
peripheral devices. Again wireless communication device 310 can be
a cellular telephone, PDA, hand-held computer or other wireless
communication device.
AN EXAMPLE COMMUNICATION NETWORK
When docked, the wireless communication device operates in a
network environment similar to a conventional laptop or desktop
personal computer system. An example of a typical conventional
Internet connection is shown in FIG. 4. Wireless communication
device 105 docked in docking station 175 constitutes a wireless
communication system 430. Wireless communication system 430
executes an application program known as a web browser 414.
Wireless communication system 430 establishes a communication link
416 with web server (ISP) 418. Communication link 416 may be
effected as a dial-up wired connection with a modem, a direct link
(such as a T1, ISDN or DSL line), or a wireless connection through
a cellular or satellite network. When the user enters a request for
information by entering commands in web browser 414, wireless
communication system 430 sends a request for information, such as a
search for documents pertaining to a specified topic, or a specific
web page to web server 418. Each web server 418, 420, 422, 424
connected to the Internet has a known address which the user must
supply to the web browser 414 in order to connect to the
appropriate web server 418, 420, 422, or 424. If the information is
available on the user's web server 418, a central link such as
backbone 426 allows web servers 418, 420, 422, 424 to communicate
with one another to supply the requested information. Web server
418 services requests for the information and receives information
from (or transmits information to) wireless communication system
430.
One skilled in the art will recognize that the foregoing components
and devices are used as examples for sake of conceptual clarity and
that various configuration modifications are common. For example
the Internet (a global public TCP/IP based communication network)
has been used as an example of a network. However, the present
disclosure is applicable to networks other than the Internet. For
example, the apparatus taught is applicable to internal corporate
networks (intranets), extensions of intranets to allow outside
access (extranets) and private networks such as virtual private
networks (VPN). Also, a wireless communication device is used to
denote communications devices include cellular telephones, personal
digital assistants (PDAs) and personal computers. In general, use
of any specific exemplar herein is also intended to be
representative of its class and the non-inclusion of such specific
devices in the foregoing list should not be taken as indicating
that limitation is desired.
While particular embodiments of the present disclosure have been
shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art
that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications
may be made without departing from this disclosure and its broader
aspects, and therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within
their scope all such changes, modifications and equivalents as are
within the true spirit and scope of this disclosure. Furthermore,
it is to be understood that the disclosure is solely defined by the
appended claims.
* * * * *